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We all experience different “seasons” in our lives, right? Well, so does our skin! Is your skin oily? Than you’re in Summer. As for me, I have the driest skin, so I’m in between autumn and winter. Here are my thoughts on a beautiful seasonal skincare brand, aptly named Saison Beauty. Saison is French for “season”. Find out about your season!

The Concept of Saison Beauty

Saison Beauty’s foundation is inspired by the changing seasons of the year. The products are designed to nourish and restore skin throughout the seasons. Founder Julie Kim’s approaches to skincare is akin to the one we have with food. The products are beautifully handcrafted in small batches with the purest, freshest ingredients and plants produced during that time of the year for each season. So the fruit, plants, or nuts you would normally eat in any given season, are the ones you’ll find in the products for that particular season. Also, like food, the products are perishable (because they are natural, therefore free from preservatives), so they have to be used within a reasonable timeline.

Season Versus Skin Type

Saison Beauty’s recommendation is to choose based on the season of the moment. Julie states that the notion of “skin type” is very fluid because it changes in the course of the year. I’m inclined to agree with that; I usually have dry skin, but it changes from time to time. In the summer, I have normal or combination skin (normal skin with an oilier T-zone).

Some of you may consistently maintain the same skin type during the year or your skin may not be affected by the weather. If that is your case, Saison Beauty has a designated season for your skin type.

Every range has 3 products to be used daily; the Cleansing Oil, the Botanical Lotion Spray and the Moisturizer, and 1 product to be used weekly; the Cleansing Grains.

The 3-step regimen skincare: Autumn/Dry skin

Although the fall season is over, if you have dry skin, the Autumn range is ideal for you. I tested the line weeks into fall, just as my skin was starting to get dryer and itchy. Let me say, the products are great individually, but as a whole, the results are much more significant when you use the 4 products all together.

Autumn Cleansing Oil

Keeps your skin soft and hydrated

If you haven’t tried a cleansing oil thus far, this would be a great way to start. Cleansing oils are beneficial to all skin types. The Autumn Cleansing Oil* , a non-foaming cleanser, gently removes dirt, grime and even makeup. It doesn’t strip your natural oils and leaves your skin moisturized and fresh. I really love it, it’s in my travel bag and it has become a go-to, especially in my night routine. I make sure I massage it on my skin to let all the goodness and moisture sink in. Then I wipe with a lukewarm cloth.

Autumn Cleansing Grains

The simplest way is to use with water, but I prefer aloe vera or rose water. It makes a great foundation for a gentle exfoliation mask in which you can use the ingredient of your choice (i.e. greek yogurt, raw honey, avocado, banana, etc). These cleansing grains leave skin soft and rejuvenated. As you know, exfoliation helps all other skincare products perform better. The grains are enhanced with organic rice and milk, natural clay, and honey powders. Also, the fruit enzymes will naturally exfoliate dry and damaged skin, so that clear, healthy skin will show. That’s right, glow on, ladies…and gents!

Autumn Botanical Lotion Spray

It is made with Aloe vera water and floral waters, so it’s very soothing for the skin, refreshing and very hydrating. It brings my skin back to life while it calms the itchiness. I layer it with the Autumn moisturizer before and after. The scent is invigorating and clean, which I love. I always make sure I breathe in when I spray it on, it’s like standing in a field of lavender. The fragrance comes solely from pure essentials oils (herbal notes and lavender). This product is a great way to freshen up your skin during the day. I must say: it’s one of the few toners I can use after my makeup application, thanks to the fine, light mist evenly distributed by the mister. It is perfection! Some misters will splash all over your face, and I hate to ruin a perfect cat-eye! Kudos for the practical packaging!

Autumn Moisturizer

Use the Botanical Lotion Spray with the Moisturizer for best results.

When the colder seasons set in, my main concerns for my skin are moisture and nourishment. Saison Beauty tackles both issues with this moisturizer. The wonder oils included in this gem are so beneficial for the skin. Pumpkin oil is an amazing moisturizer; the essential fatty acids provide moisture without greasiness and regulate skin oils, which makes it great for dry and oily skins (especially if you’re acne prone). Another star included in this product is the Rice oil. Also a great moisturizer and hydrating agent, it is potent in antioxidants which protect skin against free-radical damaging UV rays. There’s also Rosehip oil and Wheat germ oil, not to mention the best of floral and plant waters. The consistency of this cream is ideal for those who want moisture without the heaviness.

Make sure you use the Botanical Lotion Spray before you apply this moisturizer, you’ll get optimal results. Because my skin is so so dry, this moisturizer alone is not enough at night or during the colder days of winter. I find myself going back and forth between this one and the Winter Moisturizer* (suited for Mature skin, it keeps my skin highly protected, nourished and moisturized). I am currently testing the Winter range, so stay tuned!

Final thought…

I believe Saison Beauty focuses on the most important thing: nourishing ingredients. Let’s not forget that skin is a living organ, so it needs to be fed in order to be healthy. I love that the products are packaged in pumps, so you get ALL of the goodness to the last drop, no waste! I also love their streamlined regimen. It’s simple, practical and yields true results. I promise, your skin will love it!

So, what season is your skin in lately? Would you pick based upon your skin type or upon the season of the year? Let me know what you think !

Greetings beauties!

“If you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin” The first time I read that quote (on Dr. Alkaitis’s website) I didn’t think much of it (no offense to the author!). The more I thought about it, the more I found it was profound. I had what Oprah would call an “ah-ha” moment! If we consider that skin is our largest organ, then it makes perfect sense that we should protect it, treat it as a living, breathing being, and feed it with natural, fresh, raw and live ingredients that are going to keep it in its optimal state. I’ve become an avid label reader and I pick products with nourishing and healing ingredients that will keep my skin healthy in the long run.

Of course, we know healthy skin begins inside, by eating the right foods. Skincare implements what clean eating, exercise and a healthy lifestyle do. But don’t you love it when you find products your skin can literally eat?!

Each of these products contains a special food ingredient you can eat or drink everyday! Bon appétit!

Green Tea

Benefits: We all know green tea has detoxification benefits, it aids in weight loss, it’s anticarcinogenic, and it helps against stress and fatigue. Sipping tea is not the only way you can get it to nourish your skin. Applied to skin, green tea can also work wonders! I promise, there’s no splashing tea all over your face! Green Tea+Aloe Face oil has a lightweight texture, so it makes it easier for your skin to absorb and there’s no greasy feeling. I use it during the day and it really helps if you have dry eczema like me. I had to be patient with this one, results were not instant. I felt and saw a noticeable difference after a solid 3 weeks of constant use (1-2 times a day). Depending on your skin type and condition, it might take more or less. I’m glad I stuck with it, because it made a world of difference! My doctor had prescribed an ointment (laden with skin irritants), but I used this oil instead. The frustrating aspect of my eczema is the fact that it’s dry and that I can barely see it. But it’s there because I feel the itchiness and the burning sensation, which is alarming to me. Thankfully, this oil worked really well for my skin! It reduced the itching and calmed my skin’s burning sensation. I love using it with the Immortelle facial toner from the same brand which has healing properties. If you have dry, itchy, irritated skin, this oil is for you!

Prickly Pear

Benefits: Have you ever eaten a barbary fig/prickly pear or a cactus pear? It’s really good for you! It’s shaped like a pear, ranges in color from yellow to deep red or purple. It’s a great source of fiber, so it helps your digestive system. This Kahina Prickly pear seed oil is a superstar! It’s really been a powerhouse for my skin. I tested it for several months. It really does it all! The Prickly pear seed oil is the only ingredient (here’s to less being MORE!), and if you’re familiar with Kahina, you know it’s pure! We already know this brand for its high quality and fair-trade argan oil. It’s unlike any I’ve tried, it’s so smooth and silky. The Prickly Pear Seed oil is just as smooth, but a bit richer than the argan oil. Although, you can use this day and night, I use it for my nighttime routine so I can reap fresh, radiant skin in the morning. My skin is really dry and thus far, this oil is one of the few products that keeps my skin moisturized throughout the night…and day. My skin feels less tight, less itchy, more supple and smooth. I use on damp face after a few spritzes of the Kahina Toning mist. A little goes a long way! Basically, if I were to be stranded on a deserted island, I’d want to have this oil with me!

Ingredient: opuntia ficus indica (prickly pear seed) oil*

*Ingredient from Organic Farming, 100% Organic and Natural

Price: 38$/10ml and 150$/50ml

Plums

Benefits: This oil is cold-pressed from the seed of California prune and is rich in Vitamins A and E, oleic acid, beta-carotene and essential and non-essential fatty acids. It’s a great everyday treatment oil and also a great carrier oil, so you can add to your creams or body scrubs. In general, plum oil might not be very trendy, but it’s notorious for culinary purposes. Founder of Napa Organics, Hilary Glass uses local agriculture ingredients to create her Agribeauty line. The very essence of this brand stems from nature; everything we need to care for our skin should be simple, raw and unprocessed. The Plum oil is perfect for dry skin, and especially if you have sensitive, mature and acne prone skin. It has a light scent of plum and almond. It seals in moisture (which is what I mostly need). I use this after exfoliation with Prune and Walnut face scrub and my skin is renewed and refreshed. Also great for hair and nails. An multi-purpose face oil and a definite must-have!

Ingredients: 100% California grown Plum Kernel oil

Price: 32$/30ml

Berries

Benefits: I love berries: blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, etc. Whether they are raw, juiced or in my smoothies, they are yummy! They keep us full, protect our cells from free radicals, prevent diseases and give our brain a boost. I am loving this serum which you can read more on, here. It contains 50 pounds of fresh Canadian berries (in 30 ml). When I use this serum, I make sure not to forget my neck. Consistent use of this serum will help you keep your skin’s youthful appearance and natural radiance. It just makes your skin feel and look healthy. I use in conjunction with the Face Food mist, which you’ll read about in other posts.

Is it still cold out?! I’ve got you covered! I’m a proud Canadian …mostly in the summer! I am amazed at what our skin endures in the winter: rigorous winds, snow, sun, pollution, etc. One of the primary functions of the skin is to protect us from the environment, light, infections, injuries, and any other threat. So, in return, we must treat and protect it against all the exterior aggressors. I’ve selected two Canadian brands I’ve thoroughly tested the last few months. If anyone knows about cold weather, it’s us Canadians! I’m very proud of their products, they have passed the test of performance with flying colors! You will get to read more of these brands in my Giving Back series in the weeks to come. Meanwhile, I wanted to share the products that helped keep my skin in good shape.

I consider Province Apothecary a “cure-all” brand; most of the products are suited for the most sensitive and reactive skins. Whether you have acne, psoriasis, dermatitis or any other skin ailment, you can bet P.A. (Province Apothecary) can help you. However, you don’t necessarily have to have skin troubles. Who doesn’t want fresh looking, healthy and glowing skin? I totally trust the integrity and the purity of the fresh, tried-and-true ingredients used in these products. Founder, Julie Clark, has dealt with her share of eczema and skin allergies all her life, she knows first-hand what works. She’s a certified holistic esthetician and an aromatherapist. Her brand takes “natural” and “organic” to a whole new level. She is truly committed to creating the best skincare products, by using high quality, certified organic, biodynamic and wildcrafted ingredients sourced from our Canadian provinces, hence the name of the brand, “Province Apothecary”. For instance, she uses organic seaweed from Nova Scotia, maple syrup from Quebec (my province!) or beeswax from Alberta. And I love all the self-explanatory names of the products: rejuvenating+ hydrating serum, protecting+restoring face balm, detoxing+clarifying clay mask, etc. There’s so much to be explored in Province Apothecary! Here’s a bit of it!

The name says it all. I remember using this when the cold days were just upon us. I felt an immediate relief which I love! I thought my mind was playing tricks on me, because I’m accustomed to long-term results. I also thought the texture would be too light for the winter, but, as I continued using it, my skin felt less tight and itchy, as it often does when left untreated. I like to massage this serum on my face and I pat gently under my eyes (but watch it because there are essential oils). It’s a great serum to use day and/or night. It’s packed with rich oils and antioxidants, so it’s great to use before going outside. I let sink it and then add the Protecting+Restoring Face Balm. You can’t help but love this one! A little goes a long way, as always, make sure you use with a good toner/mist.

This one is a sweetheart! I use this all day, everyday! As you’ll learn to know me, you’ll notice, I’m cuckoo over balms!! Can’t get enough of them! I think everyone dealing with crocodile-dry skin should own balms! Well, in any case, this balm is ‘da bomb’! Just take a look at the noteworthy ingredient list! The most sought-after nourishing and healing oils and plants are included. This balm is absolutely, unequivocally a skin savior during winter’s coldest days. It appears solid in its tin, but it melts and sinks on contact. I love that I don’t have to work so hard to make it melt, it just does! I use it on any dry spots, on my lips (ditch your Chapstick!), on my brows, on my lids and even under my eyes where I apply concealer! I use this balm over the Rejuvenating+Hydrating Serum, so my skin not only gets the optimal nourishment it needs, but it’s protected. A must-have and very practical! The format makes it easy for me to put it in my bag. I found out I have some dry eczema, so I’m getting the Healing Eczema balm next!

Founder Graydon Moffat is what I call an enthusiastic “foodie” nerd, she believes in getting the best out of real food to transform skin. Give her a broccoli and some kale, she’ll create a custom face oil for you!! If you take a look at the ingredients list of a product, you’ll notice it’s full of whole foods, vegetables, fruit and more. She carefully chooses ingredients that will prevent future damage, heal, protect and transform with long-term results. Her products are like smoothies for the skin: incredibly healthy! What’s also fascinating is that she perceives the skin as it is: a living and breathing organ in need of nutrition. The labels of her formulations are easy to read, as they should be. Graydon’s philosophy is “Clinical Luxury by Nature“. What does that mean? Simply put, this green skincare line is about bioactive formulations (clinical) made with plant powered ingredients (nature) that treat and nourish every cell of your skin, without surrendering your need for indulgence and beauty (luxury). As much as possible, Graydon chooses to source organic plant-based ingredients from Canadian growers and manufacturers such as broccoli and berry seed oils. In my opinion, this is a brand focused on quality ingredients to ensure optimal results for the skin while protecting and caring for the environment. The best part: it’s one of the most affordable brands in Canada! Now, that’s a brand after my own heart!! This brand is for the modern woman who wants instant and long-term results!

I’m an oil addict…however, this product has renewed my faith in creams! It gave my skin a new awakening! Ever since I switched to natural products, I had been staying away from creams, thinking their water content would leave my skin high and dry (pun intended!). Turns out, I was wrong! So, when came time to test this Green cream, I wasn’t too keen. I reluctantly tried it…and I loved it! Good job, Graydon! It’s definitely not your average cream! Because I have dry skin, I thought I only needed oils or serums, but skin also needs moisture. Thankfully, the Green cream has a bit of both, and then some! I wouldn’t say it’s enough to moisturize my skin on a cold day of winter, though. I use this in combo with the The Serum (read below). The star ingredient, and also Graydon’s favorite ingredient to work with, is the broccoli seed oil: it gives this luscious cream a non-greasy feel and it mimics the effect of silicone, making it ideal to use under makeup, especially cream blush! Not only did the Green Cream delivered in terms of moisture and nourishment, I was pleasantly surprised that it gave me a glow and a light sheen. And, fear not, there is no stickiness, so slather it on your face! I appreciate that the product is in a pump, avoiding any waste and preventing contamination from bacteria and germs. This cream will be ideal when spring shows up. I will leave it in the refrigerator and slather it on, when it’s hot and humid ! Basically, this is the kind of product that will help your skin look good with or without makeup! Wow, broccoli has never been more appealing now!

Note: this edition of the Green Cream is part of the Causemetics campaign. More to come soon about that!

This serum is brimming with antioxidants! But what exactly are antioxidants and what do they do? Allow me a brief definition of the word. In a nut shell, antioxidants, obtained through a balanced and healthy diet, are nature’s way of protecting our body and cells from the harmful free radicals. We all know that one of the best foods to fight the effects of free radicals are: BERRIES! Well, we’re in luck with The Serum because there are 50 pounds of fresh Canadian berries into a 30 ml bottle! Can you believe the power in this serum?! It’s a great weapon against the environmental damage that can be done to your skin cells. While I don’t believe in “anti-aging”(and this product is not about anti-aging, it’s “slow-aging“), this rich serum can at least slow the aging process, it treats the core of what ages our skin cells. Remember, free radicals accumulate with age, they are responsible for the rapid aging our our skin cells, so with consistent use of this product, you’ll reinforce your skin’s barrier. It’s also a powerful prevention asset, an ally in counteracting the damaging effects of free radicals. I don’t think it substitutes for a sunscreen, but it has an inherent SPF due to the presence of the Raspberry seed oil, who also is a great blemish-fighter. I like to use it in the morning, in combo with the Face Food Mineral mist (also another winner of the brand! Review coming!). It’s very difficult not to love this serum, it goes beyond the call of duty. For optimal results, I add 1-2 pumps into the Green Cream after having misted with the Food Face. If you’re looking for healthy skin from the cells to your outer layers, this is for you! I love it!

Although I’ve tested these products in the winter, I think they all serve their purpose no matter what season it is. The important thing is that they all treat and nourish the skin. Even though Province Apothecary and Graydon are two different brands, they are quite alike when it comes to the quality of the products as well as the dedication of their founders. Both brands are eco-conscious and socially responsible. I’m insanely proud of the fact that both brands are created by two brilliant, creative and strong Canadian women! They have shown that affordable can be both luxurious AND effective! For all these reasons and more, I will purchase and re-purchase when the time comes!

So, tell me, what do you think of Province Apothecary and of Graydon’s products? What has caught your eye? I’d love to know!

Note: Both Province Apothecary and Graydon Skincare (Clinical Luxury by Nature) are involved in a breast cancer awareness campaign with Causemetics. I will publish a post pertaining to that cause in an upcoming post in my Giving Back series.